For shampoo and conditioner, an all-plastic lotion pump with a larger dose and a locking head is usually the best metal-free choice. For leave-in sprays and styling mists, use an all-plastic trigger or fine mist sprayer. Match the pump to how thick the formula is, how much product a customer uses per wash, and where the bottle lives, often a wet shower.
Why hair care is moving to metal-free pumps
Hair care bottles are some of the largest in the bathroom, and many of them use pumps. Most traditional pumps contain a metal spring, which makes the dispenser harder to sort and recycle. When the bottle is designed for recycling but the pump is not, the package still has a weak point.
A metal-free pump uses plastic parts only. That supports recyclability where facilities accept it, and it keeps metal out of contact with the formula. For salon, professional and retail brands with sustainability targets, the pump is often the next part of the pack to change.
What hair care formulas need from a pump
Shampoos, conditioners and styling products put different demands on a dispenser.
- Dose size. Customers use more shampoo and conditioner per use than a face cream. A larger dose per stroke means fewer pumps per wash.
- Thickness. Conditioners and masks can be thick. The pump needs to draw the product up the dip tube and return smoothly. Test your thickest formula first.
- Water resistance. Shower bottles get wet. A water-resistant design helps keep water out of the formula.
- Locking. For retail and e-commerce shipping, a lock helps prevent leaks in transit.
- Bottle size. Large bottles need the right dip tube length and a neck finish that fits.
Matching metal-free dispensers to hair care products
| Product | Suggested APG dispenser | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | Clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump; Infinity Lotion Pump | Clip-lock: PP, 3.5cc dose. Infinity: up-lock, water-resistant, APR recognized |
| Conditioner | Clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump; Infinity Lotion Pump | Test with your formula's thickness |
| Hair oils and serums | All-plastic treatment pump; Infinity Dropper | Small, controlled doses |
| Leave-in conditioner spray, detangler | Infinity Trigger Sprayer; Infinity Mini Trigger | All-plastic; 28mm ratchet, 28/410, 28/400 or 24/410, 28/410 |
| Texturizing and finishing mists | Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer | 0.2cc or 0.19cc personal care dosage; 20/410, 24/410, 28/410 |
| Foaming shampoo or scalp cleanser | Infinity Foamer Pump | PP, all-plastic, APR recognized |
| Travel and trial sizes | Infinity V2 Lotion Pump (mono) | PP mono all-plastic, 1.5cc dose |
Shampoo and conditioner pumps
For full-size shampoo and conditioner, dose size matters most. APG's clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump gives a 3.5cc dose, which suits wash-off products. It is made of PP and uses a clip to lock the stem for shipping.
The Infinity Lotion Pump is another strong option. It has a patented all-plastic up-lock design, a water-resistant build and all plastic components with no metal contact with the product. It is APR-recognized for recyclability and can be configured in multiple color combinations, which helps brands keep shampoo and conditioner visually distinct.
Conditioners tend to be thicker than shampoos. Test both formulas in the same pump before you assume one pump fits the whole line.
Sprays and mists for styling
Leave-in sprays, detanglers and sea salt sprays are often dispensed with a trigger or mini trigger. The Infinity Trigger Sprayer is all-plastic, APR recognized and needs no custom filling equipment. The Infinity Mini Trigger is a smaller all-plastic option in 24/410 and 28/410.
For finishing mists and lightweight sprays, the Infinity HV (high-viscosity) Fine Mist Sprayer is designed for thicker liquids and offers 0.2cc and 0.19cc dosages for personal care. It is water resistant and e-commerce capable. Note that it uses PP and PE parts, so it is all-plastic but not mono-material.
Aerosol hairsprays are a different package type and are outside the scope of this article.
Salon and professional sizes
Salons and professional lines often use large back-bar bottles with pumps. These see many uses per day, so pump durability and smooth return matter. Ask us which metal-free pumps and neck finishes fit your back-bar bottles.
Before switching a professional line, run a use test with stylists. Pump the product many times in a row and check that the dose stays consistent. Our guide on testing a metal-free pump with your formula covers what to check.
How APG can help
APG makes cosmetic and personal-care packaging, with a plant in Defiance, Ohio for molding and decoration. For hair care lines, consider:
- The clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump, PP with a 3.5cc dose for shampoo and conditioner.
- The Infinity Lotion Pump, water-resistant with a patented all-plastic up-lock design.
- The Infinity Trigger Sprayer for leave-in sprays and detanglers.
- The Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer for styling and finishing mists.
- The Infinity Foamer Pump for foaming cleansers.
Browse our metal-free pumps and sprayers or the full pumps collection. If you are planning a line-wide change, read how to switch your products to metal-free pumps.
Common questions
Will a metal-free pump handle thick conditioner?
Many conditioners work well, but thickness varies a lot. Test your formula in the pump before you order, and share samples of the formula with your supplier.
What dose size should I use for shampoo?
Wash-off products usually suit a larger dose. The clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump gives 3.5cc per stroke.
Are these pumps good in the shower?
The Infinity Lotion Pump and Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer have water-resistant designs, which suits wet environments.
Can shampoo and conditioner pumps be different colors?
Yes. The Infinity Lotion Pump can be configured in multiple color combinations. Ask us about minimums for custom colors.
Is the whole package recyclable?
It depends on the bottle, label and pump together. APR-recognized pumps such as the Infinity Lotion Pump and Infinity Foamer Pump are designed for recyclability and are recyclable where facilities accept them.
Ready to update your hair care line? Request samples or a quote.